Istanbul Medical Chamber Warns on Access to Healthcare and Discrimination

The Istanbul Medical Chamber announced that targeting human rights defender organizations and civil society organizations in the healthcare field within the scope of the 'Family is Safe' operations poses serious risks to public health.

Organizations Targeted by the Operations

The Istanbul Medical Chamber drew attention to recent legal proceedings and social media access bans directed at LGBTI+ human rights defender organizations and civil society organizations.

It was stated that access bans were imposed on the social media accounts of the Sexual Education Treatment and Research Association, and a similar request was made for the Psychiatric Association of Turkey.

Risk of Avoiding Healthcare Facilities

It was stated that the fear of facing discrimination, profiling, or ill-treatment may cause LGBTI+ individuals to avoid applying to hospitals and healthcare institutions.

It was emphasized that this situation creates a major risk in terms of public health by causing individuals to distance themselves from preventive health services, diagnosis, and treatment.

HIV Studies and the Role of Civil Society

The dangers of rendering civil society organizations that support the rights of people living with HIV and operate in the field of sexual health dysfunctional were pointed out.

It was conveyed that narrowing the fields of activity of professional organizations and associations that deliver scientific health knowledge to society and defend the right to health is alarming.

Contradiction with National Policies

It was recalled that the Ministry of Health's Turkey HIV/AIDS Control Program 2025-2030 document includes targets for observing human rights and equal access.

Attention was drawn to the fact that current official policies and the restrictions applied to civil society organizations in the field create a serious contradiction.